The Simone Zajac Wealth Management Group in Exton may be a family business, but there’s nothing mom-and-pop about it.
Sure, the independent financial planning firm is headed by James Simone and Richard Zajac, who met as colleagues at Sunoco in the early 1980s, and employs Zajac’s two sons. However, with a half-century of client-facing experience among its employees and a few factors that differentiate it from its competition, Simone Zajac is uniquely positioned to increase its footprint in the wealth-management market.
The firm – which offers customized investment management and wealth management solutions for individuals, families, and business owners – recently took a major step into its future with the acquisition of Chester Springs-based Iron Valley Wealth Management.
“The move pairs two well-resourced partners who share a longstanding commitment to their clients,” said Daniel Zajac, 35, a partner at Simone Zajac. “Like us, Iron Valley has built a business focused on building deeply personal relationships. Our shared, client-first mentality was clear from our first conversation.
“Our team of experienced professionals will substantially enhance the service levels and wealth management offerings to Iron Valley clients. With this merger, we are able to further enhance our position in Greater Philadelphia and the community.”
[uam_ad id=”58459″]
Advertisement
Simone Zajac’s growth is following a strategic plan.
“This isn’t a matter of growth for growth’s sake,” said Zajac. “We’re very intentional about what we’re doing. The opportunities are out there. We believe that we have a huge competitive advantage.”
What sets Simone Zajac apart is the cornucopia of services it provides its clients and that all five of its advisors are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals.
“What was a tax practice has evolved into a wealth management firm,” said Zajac, who works alongside his brother, Benjamin Zajac, and sister, Tracy Franciscus. “We don’t market our tax preparation capabilities, but that proficiency is built into our DNA. We think that we blend our core skill sets far better than the rest.”
In fact, those skills are what attracted Michael Karwic, the owner and principal of Iron Valley, a firm that shares similar values and culture with Simone Zajac.
“After an exhaustive search, it became clear that Simone Zajac could offer the capabilities that further support the individual needs of all Iron Valley clients,” said Karwic, who will specialize in business development at Simone Zajac. “With this transition, Iron Valley clients will benefit from a team-based planning environment staffed by industry-skilled professionals.”
[uam_ad id=”58459″]
Advertisement
What further differentiates Simone Zajac from its competition is the intergenerational succession plan it has in place.
“We not only have a succession plan complete; it’s already in operation,” said Zajac, referring to a hot topic in the financial services industry.
The advisor demographic is quickly aging, and there is a limited pool of qualified advisors who are able to buy. Thus, owners of advisory firms are finding it difficult to effectively coordinate and implement a succession plan.
Simone Zajac solved that problem a long time ago, and has had its sights set on the future ever since.
A future that’s as bright as it gets.
Advisory Services offered through Capital Analysts or Lincoln Investment, Registered Investment Advisers. Securities offered through Lincoln Investment, Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA / SIPC www.lincolninvestment.com. Simone Zajac Wealth Management Group, LLC and the above firms are independent and non-affiliated. Tax services are not offered through, or supervised by Lincoln Investment, or Capital Analysts.
[uam_ad id=”67694″]
